Elsa Alvarado, a resident of Glendale, received the National Youth Award in the education category from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) on Thursday for her extracurricular activities and high academic performance.

She was just one of six students—after thousands applied—to earn the honor, which identifies young leaders in the Latino community.

Alvarado, who is of Nicaraguan descent, received a $1,000 grant and a Google Chromebook laptop, along with round-trip accommodations to Miami for the award ceremony.

“This is more than just an award because it speaks to being Hispanic,” Alvarado said. “It unites all the students, because we share the same goals and the same backgrounds.”

Alvarado averages a 3.9 GPA at Cardozo. She is passionate about languages, and is currently fluent in three—English, Spanish and French. She is also learning German.

Alvarado started The Future Educators of New York club at Cardozo last year, which focuses on tutoring children from kindergarten to middle school. There are currently 60 members in the club that teach various subjects.

She aspires to work in developing countries as a language professor and teach children how to communicate and learn the importance of language. She also wants to work as an ambassador in the future.

Alvarado plans to attend Georgetown University, the University of Notre Dame or George Washington University next year, and major in international relations.

“Elsa stood out as a bright, young woman who we believe will make a deep and positive impact on the education system, said Emanuel Pleitez, chair of the HHF’s Board of Directors. “We at the Hispanic Heritage Foundation are constantly searching for passionate students like her to recognize and assist in achieving their goals.”